Desire and rule – handling a difficult and controversial text
Dave Williams looks at the terms ‘desire’ and ‘rule’ from Genesis 3:16, particularly with an eye on the ESV translation, and seeks to understand it in light of what the Bible actually says.
The NHS, a case of bad theology?
Guy Davies looks at the national religion of England, the case mounted by Matthew Syed for its secularisation and whether the whole thing is just a case of bad theology.
Christian leaders write anti-Christian trans letter
‘The trouble with the words used by the clerics is that, at a superficial level, they sound nice. Of course we want safety and non-judgementalism but on examination, not only are the words in this letter meaningless and contrary to the teaching of Christ; they cause harm. While attempting to create a ‘safe space’ for some, they are making the world distinctly more harmful for others.’
Connecting Ukrainian refugees with UK hosts
This is a fantastic scheme. It is worth reading how it has served one church – and how they have been able to respond to the Ukrainian refugee crisis – and worth considering if this is something for which you might sign up.
Why did Jesus speak in parables?
‘Why did Jesus speak in parables? The standard answer, in one sense, seems to be the exact opposite of what Jesus told us. The typical response to that question is that Jesus spoke in parables to make his teaching clearer to his audience. After all, they tell us, parables are earthly stories with a heavenly meaning. Most people view the parables as sermon illustrations designed to bring clarity, but this is only half true.’
Does Evangelicalism have a history?
Mike Reeves answers this one.
From the archive: Champagne theology bores
‘If you have made it this far, you have probably guessed this is not a post about being gauche and condescending at dinner parties (champagne and nibbles, naturally, being a staple event round our parts going down brilliantly with Muslims and working-classes alike!) No, I was set to thinking about how often we end up acting like champagne bores in the church.’